Quick Summary: Listing secret clearance on your resume is straightforward. Clearly state your clearance level, the issuing agency, and the adjudication date. Focus on how this valuable asset benefits potential employers by showcasing trustworthiness and eligibility for sensitive roles.
Navigating the world of job applications can feel like a maze, especially when specific requirements like security clearances come into play. Many job seekers, particularly those new to the professional scene or transitioning careers, find themselves wondering, “How exactly do I put this on my resume?” It’s a common point of confusion, but rest assured, it doesn’t have to be stressful. Think of your security clearance as a significant professional achievement – a testament to your trustworthiness and suitability for roles requiring a high degree of integrity. This guide will walk you through the simple, effective steps to showcase your secret clearance, helping you stand out to potential employers. We’ll cover what information to include, where to place it, and why it matters.
Understanding the Importance of Listing Your Secret Clearance
Having a secret clearance is a significant asset in the job market. It signifies that you’ve undergone a thorough background investigation and have been deemed trustworthy and reliable by the government. For many industries, especially those in defense, government contracting, intelligence, and certain technology sectors, this clearance is not just a preference but a prerequisite for employment. Employers actively seek candidates with secret clearances because it means they can immediately place these individuals into roles that require access to classified information, saving them time and resources on the lengthy and complex clearance process.
When you list your secret clearance on your resume, you’re doing more than just stating a fact; you’re signaling:
- Eligibility: You meet the basic criteria for roles requiring access to sensitive information.
- Trustworthiness: You’ve passed a rigorous vetting process.
- Reduced Risk: Employers can be more confident in your suitability for positions of responsibility.
- Faster Onboarding: You can potentially start in roles that require a clearance much sooner.
By strategically highlighting this qualification, you can significantly increase your chances of getting noticed by recruiters and hiring managers who are specifically looking for candidates with this credential.
What Information to Include
When listing your secret clearance, clarity and conciseness are key. You want to provide enough information for an employer to understand its significance without overwhelming them with unnecessary details. The essential components typically include:
- Clearance Level: Explicitly state “Secret Clearance.”
- Issuing Agency: Mention the government agency that granted or adjudicated your clearance. Common examples include the Department of Defense (DoD), Department of State, or a specific intelligence agency.
- Adjudication Date (Optional but Recommended): Including the month and year your clearance was granted or last reinvestigated can be helpful. This shows its recency.
- Type of Investigation (Optional): While not always necessary, you might mention the type of investigation, such as a National Agency Check with Local Agency Checks and Credit Checks (NACLC) or a Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI), if you know it and it’s relevant to the job description. However, for a “Secret” clearance, this level of detail is often implied.
Here’s a simple format:
Secret Clearance, Adjudicated by [Issuing Agency], [Month, Year]
For example:
Secret Clearance, Adjudicated by Department of Defense, October 2022
It’s important to be accurate. If you’re unsure about the exact issuing agency or adjudication date, it’s best to check your official records or consult with your security officer if you are currently employed in a cleared position.
Where to Place Your Secret Clearance on Your Resume
The placement of your secret clearance on your resume can impact how quickly a hiring manager notices it. Strategic placement ensures that this valuable qualification is seen early in the review process.
1. In Your Contact Information or Summary/Objective Section
This is often the most effective place, especially if you are targeting jobs that specifically require a secret clearance. Placing it near the top immediately signals your eligibility.
- Contact Information: You can add it as a line item below your name and contact details.
Jane Doe (123) 456-7890 | jane.doe@email.com | linkedin.com/in/janedoe Secret Clearance (DoD, Oct 2022) City, State - Professional Summary or Objective: Weave it into your summary statement to highlight your qualifications for specific roles.
Highly motivated and security-cleared professional with 5+ years of experience in [Your Field]. Possess an active Secret Clearance adjudicated by the Department of Defense (October 2022), enabling immediate contribution to projects requiring access to classified information. Seeking to leverage expertise in [Skill 1] and [Skill 2] to support [Company Name]'s mission.
2. In a Dedicated “Clearances” or “Security” Section
If you have multiple clearances or certifications, or if you feel it warrants its own section, you can create a dedicated area. This is particularly useful if you have a long list of qualifications.
Example:
Certifications & Clearances
- Secret Clearance (Department of Defense, October 2022)
- Project Management Professional (PMP)
- CompTIA Security+
3. Within Your Work Experience (Less Common)
While less common and generally not recommended for initial visibility, you could mention it in the description of a role where it was specifically required and utilized. However, this should be a secondary mention, not the primary way you highlight it.
Example (less ideal for initial visibility):
Senior Systems Analyst | ABC Corp | 2020 – Present
- Developed and implemented secure network solutions for government clients, requiring an active Secret Clearance.
- Managed a team of 5 engineers, overseeing projects with sensitive data.
Recommendation: For maximum impact, placing your secret clearance in your contact information or professional summary is generally the best strategy.
Tailoring Your Resume for Different Job Applications
While the core information about your secret clearance remains the same, how you present it can be adjusted based on the specific job you’re applying for. The key is to align your resume with the employer’s needs.
When the Job Posting Mentions Security Clearance
If the job description explicitly states “Secret Clearance required” or “Must possess an active Secret Clearance,” this is your cue to make it prominent. Placing it in your summary or contact information is crucial. You might even consider adding a sentence in your summary that directly addresses the requirement:
Example:
Results-driven [Your Profession] with a proven track record in [Your Industry]. Possess an active Secret Clearance (Department of Defense, October 2022), meeting the essential requirements for this [Job Title] position. Eager to contribute expertise in [Specific Skill Mentioned in Job Ad].
When the Job Posting Doesn’t Explicitly Mention Security Clearance
Even if a job doesn’t explicitly ask for a secret clearance, it’s often beneficial to list it if you have one, especially for roles in industries known to require it (e.g., defense contractors, government agencies, certain tech firms). It can make you a more attractive candidate and open doors you might not have considered.
In this scenario, placing it in your summary or a dedicated section is still a good approach. It acts as a differentiator. You might phrase it slightly differently to emphasize your capabilities rather than just meeting a requirement:
Example:
Experienced [Your Profession] with a strong background in [Your Field]. My qualifications include an active Secret Clearance (Department of Defense, October 2022), enabling secure handling of sensitive information and contributing to high-stakes projects.
Using Keywords
Many companies use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to scan resumes for relevant keywords. Ensure you use the exact phrase “Secret Clearance” as it is commonly searched for by recruiters and ATS.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While listing your secret clearance is beneficial, there are a few common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Over-Sharing Details: Avoid listing your clearance number, the specific investigation details (unless explicitly asked in an application form), or the full report. This is sensitive information.
- Falsifying Information: Never claim to have a clearance you do not possess. This is grounds for immediate disqualification and can have serious repercussions.
- Listing an Expired Clearance: Only list clearances that are currently active. If your clearance has lapsed, do not include it.
- Vague Language: Don’t be vague. Clearly state “Secret Clearance.” Avoid terms like “eligibility for security clearance” unless you are currently in the process of obtaining one.
- Poor Placement: Hiding your clearance deep within your work history can mean recruiters miss this valuable qualification.
What If My Clearance is Pending or Has Lapsed?
This is a common situation, and it’s important to be honest and strategic about how you present it.
Pending Clearance
If you are in the process of obtaining a security clearance, you can mention this. It shows your commitment and that you are a strong candidate for roles requiring one.
How to list it:
- In your Summary: “Currently undergoing background investigation for a Secret Clearance, expected to be adjudicated by [Issuing Agency] in [Month, Year].”
- In a Dedicated Section:
Clearance Status
- In Process: Secret Clearance (Department of Defense)
Be prepared to discuss the status of your application if asked during an interview. Honesty is crucial here.
Lapsed Clearance
If your clearance has expired and you are no longer eligible, it’s generally best not to list it on your resume. However, if you are applying for a position where you previously held a clearance and believe it might expedite a re-investigation, you could mention it in your cover letter or during the interview, stating that you previously held a Secret Clearance which lapsed on [Date].
Example for Cover Letter/Interview:
“While my Secret Clearance (Department of Defense) lapsed in 2021, I am confident that my previous adjudication and my continued commitment to security protocols will allow for a swift re-instatement should the opportunity arise.”
This shows your history and willingness to go through the process again, but avoids misrepresenting your current status on the resume itself.
Resources for Further Information
Understanding the nuances of security clearances can be complex. Here are some authoritative sources that can provide more in-depth information:
- Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI): The ODNI provides information on the U.S. Intelligence Community, including details on security clearance processes. You can find general information on their official website.
- Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA): DCSA is responsible for processing security clearances for the Department of Defense and many other federal agencies. Their website offers insights into the investigation process. Visit dcsa.mil for more.
- USAJOBS: For those seeking federal employment, USAJOBS provides detailed information on the application process, including requirements for security clearances for various government positions. Explore usajobs.gov.
Always refer to official government sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding security clearances.
FAQ: Listing Your Secret Clearance
Here are answers to some common questions job seekers have about listing their secret clearance.
- Q1: Do I need to state the specific investigation type (e.g., NACLC) when listing my Secret Clearance?
- Generally, no. For a Secret Clearance, simply stating “Secret Clearance” along with the issuing agency and date is sufficient for most resumes. The specific investigation type is usually not required unless the job posting specifically asks for it.
- Q2: Can I list my clearance if it’s a “Secret” level but granted by a foreign government?
- If you are applying for jobs within the United States that require a U.S. government security clearance, a foreign government clearance typically will not suffice. You should only list U.S. government-issued clearances. If applying for international roles, check the specific requirements of the employer and country.
- Q3: How do I handle my clearance if I have multiple levels (e.g., Secret and Top Secret)?
- If you hold multiple clearances, list them clearly. You can either list them in a dedicated section or within your summary, specifying each level and its adjudication details. For example: “Active Secret Clearance (DoD, Oct 2022) and Top Secret Clearance (NSA, Jan 2023).” Prioritize the highest level if space is limited or if it’s most relevant to the target job.
- Q4: Should I mention my clearance in my LinkedIn profile?
- Yes, it’s a good idea to mention your clearance in your LinkedIn profile, similar to your resume. You can add it to your headline, summary, or a dedicated “Licenses & Certifications” section. This helps recruiters find you for cleared positions.
- Q5: What if the job description says “eligibility for a Secret Clearance”?
- If you are eligible but do not currently hold a clearance, you can state this. For example, in your summary: “Eligible for a Secret Clearance and currently undergoing the background investigation process.” Be honest about your current status.
- Q6: Is it okay to put “Active Secret Clearance” or just “Secret Clearance”?
- Both are acceptable, but “Active Secret Clearance” is slightly more precise if it is indeed active. If you are certain it’s active, using “Active” can provide an extra layer of clarity for the hiring manager.
Conclusion
Adding your secret clearance to your resume is a strategic move that can significantly enhance your job prospects, especially in sectors requiring a high degree of trust and access to sensitive information. By clearly stating your clearance level, the issuing agency, and its adjudication date, and by placing this information prominently on your resume, you effectively communicate your qualifications and eligibility to potential employers. Remember to be accurate, honest, and tailor your presentation to the specific job requirements. With this guide, you’re well-equipped to showcase this valuable credential and take a confident step forward in your career journey. Keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be sure to make a strong impression.